What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director or Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions position at Gardner Webb University?
General Job Description:
The Director (or Assistant/Associate Director) of Graduate Programs plays a pivotal leadership role within Gardner-Webb University’s Enrollment Division. This position provides strategic oversight for graduate student recruitment, admissions, and enrollment management—advancing the University’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible graduate education. The Director oversees the daily operations and performance of the graduate admissions team, develops and implements data-informed recruitment strategies, and ensures a seamless and supportive admissions experience for all prospective graduate students, while managing an assigned graduate program for recruitment. This role collaborates closely with academic departments, enrollment marketing, and student services to meet or exceed enrollment goals while fostering excellence and integrity throughout the admissions process.
- Manages day-to-day recruitment, admissions, and enrollment operations for a designated graduate program, ensuring a seamless experience from inquiry through matriculation.
- Provide leadership and supervision to a team of 4-5 admissions professionals, offering coaching, training, and performance evaluation to ensure team success.
- Lead weekly meetings with Enrollment Development Officers to set and evaluate progress toward recruitment and enrollment goals.
- Manage annual recruitment and travel schedules for the graduate admissions team, ensuring appropriate representation at key events and partnerships.
- Develop and execute comprehensive recruitment strategies to drive growth in graduate degree completion programs.
- Oversee daily, monthly, and quarterly recruitment activities and monitor progress toward enrollment targets using data analytics and CRM reporting tools (e.g., Slate).
- Collaborate with marketing and academic units to design targeted campaigns, virtual events, and outreach initiatives to attract and engage prospective graduate students.
- Maintain accurate data and reporting to support continuous improvement and inform decision-making.
- Serve as a professional representative of Gardner-Webb University at graduate fairs, conferences, and other recruitment events (both in-person and virtual).
- Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with prospective students, guiding them through the admissions process with a high level of customer service, care, and professionalism.
- Partner with faculty, program directors, and university offices to ensure a smooth handoff from inquiry through enrollment.
- Ensure the graduate admissions team maintains consistent communication with all applicants and inquiries in a timely, professional manner.
- Coordinate staff training initiatives and professional development opportunities to maintain high standards of knowledge and service.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of annual recruitment and retention strategies as a key member of the admissions leadership team.
- Support additional projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment.
Other Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Required
- Master’s Preferred
- Minimum of 3 years experience in Higher Education recruitment preferred
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM systems (Slate, etc.), and social media tools.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
- Commitment to confidentiality, ethical standards, and the mission and values of Gardner-Webb University.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to maintain consistent and meaningful contact with prospective students.
- Ability to present effectively to diverse audiences, including students, families, and academic or administrative leaders.
Physical Requirements
Individual must have the ability and be licensed to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to lift and transport up to 50 pounds.
Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. The University offers 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student-athletes.